Since introducing a spirits category in 2007, the LAISC has set the standard for judging distilled beverages. An esteemed panel of 20 judges used a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best spirits from around the world. This year’s competition received 392 Spirits entries from 146 producers in 31 different countries.

“This represents a bi-coastal win for us, and follows Gold awards from the NY International Spirits Competition earlier this month,” notes Global Spirits CEO Max Dubossarsky. “Since we introduced the brands here in the US, we’ve consistently captured the gold in numerous competitions.”

Gold winning Khortytsa (commonly referred to as KHOR in the USA) Platinum and Ice Vodkas are produced at Ukraine’s famed Khortytsa Distillery, which is among the world’s best distilleries. The brand is named for Khortytsa Island, which is known as “the heart of Ukraine.” This ancient island’s history dates back thousands of years, to the very roots of civilization. It is considered a sacred place, and is one of the country’s seven wonders.

Built in 2003, the Khortytsa Distillery is among the world’s finest distilleries. It uses a local organic filter containing schungite (a unique natural mineral) which allows it to get as close as possible to the structure of natural water. The filtration process is further enhanced with special birch and alder-tree charcoal and quartz sand.

Gold winner Khortytsa Platinum is the most popular item in the line Khortytsa line and retails for $14.99 per 750-mL. Khortytsa Ice, with a bottle color that changes when chilled, retails for $14.99 per 750-mL.

LEAF Organic Vodkas are sourced from unique waters around the country. The Gold winning variety is made from Alaskan Glacial water, which lends a pure, smooth taste with a hint of sweetness. The water source gives LEAF Vodka its signature taste. (My review March 2017 of LEAF vodkas can be read here.)

With a recommended shelf price of $18.99 for 750-mL—and Certified USDA Organic — LEAF Vodka is well positioned within the dynamic and growing vodka category.

Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy is produced at Ukraine’s famed Shustov Distillery from spirits distilled from white grape varietals including Rkatsiteli, Aligoté and Pinot varieties. The Rkatsiteli is an ancient pale-skinned grape variety from the Republic of Georgia – one of the oldest (if not the oldest) wine-producing regions on earth. Aligoté is a white grape used to make dry white wines in the Burgundy region of France, but it is also cultivated in many Eastern Europe countries.

Odessa is distilled using the traditional French “Charentais” – or double fractional distillation – in copper pot stills. The heart of the distillate is then carefully selected to be bottled and aged, enhancing the delicate and refined aroma that is the signature of its white grape varietals. The spirit then ages in oak barrels for at least five years.

The resulting brandy is world class. Notes of oriental spices and citrus fruit dominate the first nose, while the second follows with hints of raisins and tones of maturity. The taste carries honey and nutty overtones, while the creamy caramel finish is long and smooth. It’s a brandy to be savored.

Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy available in 750-mL and 100-mL sizes, the product carries a suggested retail price of $10.99 or $1.99 respectively.

About Global Spirits USA

A Fortune 500 Company in Europe, Global Spirits was established in 2008 and has offices in New York, Moscow and Kiev, employing over 5,000 people. The company’s annual volume exceeds 10 million cases, with distribution in over 80 countries. Global Spirits USA markets and distributes strategic brands including: Khortytsa Vodka (3rd largest selling international vodka brand*), LEAF Organic Vodka, and Odessa V.S.O.P. Brandy.

NAPA VALLEY, CA –  On Saturday, April 29th, over 750 wine and food enthusiasts came together on the great lawn at HALL Wines in St. Helena to raise a record $80,000 for local charities at the 8th Annual Cabernet Cookoff. Fourteen chefs from Bay Area restaurants teamed up with local non-profits of their choice to create the best dish to pair with HALLs 2013 Coeur Cabernet Sauvignon, voted on by a panel of celebrity judges and the attendees of the event. This years record breaking amount raised brings HALLs Cabernet Cookoff 8-year fundraising total to over $400,000.

Photo credit: Hall Facebook page.

”Our team continues to be amazed each year that such talent, both in the participating chefs and judges, clear their very busy schedules to help us raise money for the community,” says Vintner Kathryn Walt Hall. ”We are beyond thankful to everyone involved – sponsors, volunteers, and attendees – for helping us raise a record amount of money for these amazing charities.”

Four celebrity judges participated in this years cookoff, including chef Duff Goldman of Food Networks Ace of Cakes, wine critic Virginie Boone of Wine Enthusiast, Michelin-rated chef Ken Frank of La Toque, and 12-time Olympic Medalist in swimming Natalie Coughlin. They were tasked with choosing a first place winner and runner-up from dishes such as Harris Ranchs Coffee Marinated Angus Hanger Steak with popcorn infused butter and Brix Restaurants Sonoma Duck Terrine with a black truffle praline tart.

This years fierce competition was documented in a short film. The 7-minute documentary follows three chefs, including Mark Dommen of One Market in San Francisco, Jen Biesty of Shakewell Restaurant in Oakland, and Brandon Watts of Bounty Hunter in Napa, as they compete against one another – and 11 other chefs  to be named the best chef of the day and win for their charity. Released on June 6th, the film can be viewed here: http://www.hallwines.com/visit/special-events/cabernetcookoff

Chef Mark Dommen took home the Judges Choice first place medal for an unprecedented fourth time with his Liberty Farms Duck Risotto with smoked Gizzards, peas, and crispy duck skin, while chef Daniel Capra of Paula LeDuc Fine Catering was runner-up with his Urfa Pepper braised veal cheeks, shrimp grits, and sour cherry veal jus. Dommens charity of choice, Collabria Care of Napa, and Capras St. Helena Hospital were each awarded over $9,000.

Attendees were also given the opportunity to vote for their favorite dishes in the Peoples Choice Award competition. First place Peoples Choice winner was Chef Michael Wong of Intercontinental Mark Hopkins in San Francisco with his Braised Oxtail Asada with pickled cucumber, avocado puree and queso fresco. The runner-up, with Steak Frites: charred hanger steak with crispy potato rosti, salsa verde, and aged balsamic, was Chef Jeremy Zimmerman of The Patriot Restaurant in Carmichael, CA. Their charities, Grace Cathedral of San Francisco and Food Literacy Center of Sacramento, respectively, were also awarded over $9,000. Proceeds of ticket sales and 15% of purchases of select wines sold throughout the event were donated to all participating charities.

For more information and winning recipes from this years event, please visit HALL Wines at www.hallwines.com. The 9th Annual HALL Cabernet Cookoff will take place on Saturday, April 29th, 2018. Tickets are available now at www.hallwines.com.

ABOUT HALL:

HALL produces critically acclaimed artisan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and buy at two tasting rooms and winery locations in Napa Valley. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Walt Hall, its vineyard collection features seven estate vineyards, of which five are California Certified Organic (CCOF) estates. Each vintage, Director of Winemaking Steve Leveque crafts distinct, Napa Valley-style Cabernet Sauvignon wines which demonstrate the unique characteristics and diversity of Napa Valley. HALLs highly rated wines include two 100pt scores given by Robert Parker for its 2013 Rainin Vineyard Cabernet and its 2010 Exzellenz. HALL also earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectators Top 100 for its 2008 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. Since the first vintage in 2002, over 180 HALL wines have been rated 90 points and above. HALL employs high-density plantings and small vine viticulture combined with two cutting edge, gravity-flow wineries to produce the highest quality wines. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014. Each of HALLs state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and tasting rooms combine modern art and architecture matched with spectacular settings. HALLs partner winery, WALT, known for producing premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from distinctive vineyards, is located in Sonoma, California. For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com, @hallwines, or by calling 707.967.2626.

Atascadero, Calif., — Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified, a rigorous third-party certification program for vineyards and wineries, is pleased to share they have been awarded Project of the Year from the Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards. Considered a model project by judges, SIP Certified has been recognized for their dedication to preserving and protecting natural and human resources.

“SIP Certified is a practical approach to translating sustainability goals to business practices in the real world. Its strength comes from being focused on serving an industry sector – vineyards and wine production – and using a broad set of criteria beyond environmental performance in measuring sustainability, including social and economic factors,” notes one judge of the SIP Certified project. “The number of organizations certified and high retention rate are indicative of a well-designed and executed program.”

The Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards is a program recognizing excellence in products and services that provide companies with energy and environmental benefits, or in projects implemented by companies that improved environmental or energy management and increased the bottom line.

“We are beyond thrilled to be recognized by the Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards for standing strong in our commitment to sustainability,” says Beth Vukmanic Lopez, SIP Certified Manager. “Since 2008, our goal has been to work with vineyards and wineries to offer great wines that protect the people and the planet.”

With rapid advancements and a continuous rate of change in the field, sustainability and energy professionals have a notoriously difficult time knowing what products to choose to help their companies increase energy, environmental, and sustainability performance. The Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards give companies a solid base of products, vetted by experts, from which to choose, as well as a variety of successful projects to illustrate how sustainability and energy management is helping companies improve.

“With a highly respected (and critical) judging panel and a strict set of judging criteria, entrants faced an extremely high bar for the level of product or project to qualify for an award,” says Tim Hermes, publisher of Environmental Leader parent company, Business Sector Media. “Those who entered needed to bring their A-game to get even a sniff of award-nirvana. And they delivered.”

About SIP Certified

Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified provides a way for vineyards and wineries to verify their attention to sustainability through a commitment to environmental stewardship, equitable treatment of employees, and economic viability. Developed by the Vineyard Team, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to sustainable winegrowing since 1994, this program represents one extension of the group’s many innovative programs. To learn more about SIP Certified, please visit the website www.sipcertified.org. For more information about the Vineyard Team, please visit www.vineyardteam.org.

About Environmental Leader

Since 2006, Environmental Leader’s website and daily email newsletter have provided the definitive and objective voice in reporting on business-related energy, environmental, and sustainability issues, while Energy Manager Today is the leading daily trade publication keeping corporate executives informed about energy management news. For more information visit www.environmentalleader.com or www.energymanagertoday.com.

Bangalore, Karnataka (PRWEB) – Paul John Single Malts continue their sparkling run by bagging more awards for their celebrated expressions. The most recent honours were achieved at the World Whiskies Awards 2017, an international competition set up to choose the world’s finest whiskies. The Paul John Peated Select Cask was declared the Best Indian Single Malt. While Paul John Brilliance and Paul John Classic Select Cask were awarded Gold and Silver respectively. Furthermore, Mr Paul P John, Chairman of John Distilleries and the man behind the Paul John Single Malts, was declared the World Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year, one of the most prestigious awards to be won. He was lauded for his entrepreneurial skills and passion for premium products.

Photo from Paul John Facebook page

At the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), 2017 the Paul John Single Malt Whiskies brought home five prestigious medals. One of the most prestigious and influential spirit competitions in the world, the SFWSC awarded us with three Double Gold and two Silver medals. The double gold medal winners are considered to be among the finest whiskies in the world. Our Bold, Edited, and Peated Select Cask expressions received the Double Gold medals, and the Paul John Bold was also proclaimed the “Best Other Whisky” by the judges, from over a 100 entries. Additionally, the Brilliance and Classic Select Classic expressions received Silver medals, given to outstanding spirits that show refinement, finesse and complexity.

Of the other prestigious awards won by the brand this year the first was at the Òran Mór Annual Whisky Awards, held at Glascow, Scotland. The 10th annual Òran Mór whisky awards was held on the 23rd of February, and Paul John Brilliance was proclaimed the Best Overseas Whisky. The unpeated single malt, which has previously won many awards, was commended for its sweet fragrance, honey-like smoothness and a beautifully relaxed finish.

The Paul John Single Malts were also honoured at the American Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2017. This world class event, judged by renowned experts who define the platinum standards for the industry, was led by F. Paul Pacult, known as the “Spirits Guru” of America, and is a life member of Kentucky’s Bourbon Hall of Fame. At this year’s event, which concluded on the 29th of March, he awarded the Chairman’s Trophy in the World Whisky category to Paul John Peated Select Cask, from among finalists like Armorik Classic and Bastille 1789 from France and Kavalan from Taiwan. The Peated Select Cask, known for its crisp layered flavours and delicate smokiness, was also given an “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation” and an excellent 96 point rating.

Commenting on the single malts winning many great honours, Mr Paul John stated, ‘it is indeed an honour to be recognised on such a global level and I hope to continue creating great whiskies that win the world over.’

West 32 Soju was the highest rated soju at the event and was awarded Soju Producer of the Year for New York State.

​New York, New York (Newswire.com) – ​After officially launching in December of 2016, West 32 Soju has taken the Gold Medal at the 2017 New York International Spirits Competition held in April in New York City. The event brought together close to 600 spirits from around the world, all competing in a blind tasting. It was judged by top spirits buyers from around New York City who evaluated the spirits by their category and price. Judges also named West 32 Soju the Soju Producer of the Year for New York State.

Soju has been distilled in Korea for hundreds of years and is low-proof “Korean vodka.” It is shared at social gatherings, parties, and celebrations. West 32 Soju is one of the only Korean-style soju made in the United States. The product is now available in New York, California, New Jersey, and Missouri and will be available soon in Nevada. West 32 Soju is made right in New York City and is the only soju in the world distilled by corn, and is both gluten-free and all-natural, unlike imported soju.

We are very excited to have won the gold medal in the New York International Spirts Competition. Our goal was to make the best-tasting, all-natural soju available on the market. This award definitely reaffirms that we have met that goal and are providing our customers an exceptional product.

Daniel Lee, Co-Founder of West 32 Soju

“We are very excited to have won the gold medal in the New York International Spirits Competition,” says Daniel Lee, Co-Founder of West 32 Soju. “Our goal was to make the best-tasting, all-natural soju available on the market. This award definitely reaffirms that we have met that goal and are providing our customers an exceptional product.”

West 32 Soju was created by two college friends who moved to New York City and frequented West 32nd Street, also known as Koreatown. They knew they could make a better tasting, higher-quality soju than imported soju. The concept and production for West 32 Soju was then developed. To learn more about the company or inquire about carrying the product, visit West32Soju.com.

About West 32 Soju
West 32 Soju is an American take on a traditional Korean spirit. The company’s soju is made in New York City and is all natural and gluten-free. For more information, visit West32Soju.com.

BWW – the Best Wine of the World Competition, true to its name, selects the Best Wines in the World. It is the largest wine competition in the world, whether measured by the number of wines, the number of consumers involved or the judges taking part.

The competition differs significantly from other wine competitions in that the wines are selected by consumers all around the world and many thousands wine during a three-month period of voting, which takes place on Tastingbook.com and via social media, such as Facebook and Instagram.

The public votes and points awarded by wine professionals are tallied, and the twenty wines with the most votes from each competition category enter the finals that will be held in the fall. In the finals, the wines undergo a blind evaluation by panels consisting of leading wine makers, wine writers, Masters of Wine and wine professionals.

The finals are held on three different continents – Europe, Australia and the United States – so that each region evaluates the wines from that region and its nearby areas.

Public voting commences on July 31, 2017 and concludes on October 30, 2017. Judging of the finalists will follow and BWW will announce the Best Wine in the World and the winners of the different categories at the inaugural BWW Awards Gala, to be held in the United States on January 25, 2018.

Hamilton, Bermuda – MARTINI® Prosecco Vintage 2016 has achieved a top score of 95+ points at The Drinks Business Prosecco Masters 2017, beating strong competition from some of the world’s best loved Prosecco brands including Bisol, Bottega, Follador and Andreola.

The judging panel, comprising five Masters of Wine, also presented MARTINI Prosecco Vintage with one of six Master Medals, a testament to the exceptional quality of the wine.

MARTINI is the world’s best selling Italian sparkling wine brand and is driving growth worldwide through innovation. This multi-award winning wine was crafted by MARTINI’s Master Winemaker of the past 30 years, Franco Brezza. Made from 100% Glera grapes from the 2016 harvest, MARTINI Prosecco Vintage is pale gold in color with hints of emerald green and delicate bubbles. It offers delicate floral notes and fresh green apple and lime undertones.

Shane Hoyne, CMO Europe & North America, comments: “Premium Italian sparkling wine is experiencing tremendous growth, fuelled by consumers’ love of its light, refreshing style. Prosecco is the fastest growing category in the global sparkling wine industry, and we have created this exquisite tasting and beautifully packaged product to lead that growth and to knock on Champagne’s door with a strong quality statement”.

Franco Brezza, Master Winemaker says: “We have used all expertise and know-how to create a sparkling wine that offers a true alternative to champagne. The harmonic but delicate flavors make this the perfect style to enjoy as an aperitif.”

The full results of The Drinks Business Prosecco Masters will be announced in the May issue of The Drinks Business, which will be distributed at the London Wine Fair at London’s Olympia from 22nd – 26th May.

About The Drinks Business Prosecco Awards
The Drinks Business Prosecco Awards is now in its fourth year and judged 135 Proseccos. This year’s international panel of experts included Alex Canneti, Anthony Foster MW, Jonathan Pedly MW, Roberto Della Pietra, Patrick Schmitt MW, Patricia Stefanowicz MW and Nick Tatham MW.

About MARTINI
One of the most iconic brands in the world, MARTINI® is the leading name in Italian winemaking and a purveyor of the highest quality aromatized and sparkling wines. The award-winning, vibrant and bittersweet taste of the MARTINI range is the result of secret blends of more than 40 botanicals sourced from the finest locations across the globe. The MARTINI portfolio includes: MARTINI Bianco, MARTINI Rosato, MARTINI Rosso, MARTINI Extra Dry, MARTINI Asti, MARTINI Moscato d’Asti, MARTINI Prosecco, MARTINI Rosé, MARTINI Brut and MARTINI Royale. Created in 1863 in Turin, Italy, the MARTINI brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, and continues to be the market leader of the category. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

Enjoy Martini Prosecco Responsibly

MARTINI and the ball and bar logo are trademarks. For more information, please visit www.martini.com

PURCELLVILLE, VA (PRWEB) – Catoctin Creek Distilling Company has won multiple awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), including a Double Gold medal for the cask proof version of its popular Roundstone Rye Whisky that was finished in premium French Bordeaux oak barrels used to make the distillery’s 1757 Virginia Brandy. Released just a twice a year, Roundstone Rye – Cask Proof is a strong and dark pre-Prohibition style rye whisky made from 100-percent rye grain. The rarely given Double Gold is awarded when all members of the esteemed competition’s judging panel give a Gold medal designation.

Catoctin Creek was also awarded three Silver medals. Winners include the flagship original version of Roundstone Rye, a smooth single-grain whisky that features notes of caramel and rich butter toffee and is bottled at an approachable 80 proof, as well as the specially curated Roundstone Rye – 92 Proof and Braddock Oak Single Barrel Rye Whisky.

“We are honored to be recognized by the judges at the world’s most prestigious and recognized spirits competition,” says Catoctin’s co-founder and general manager Scott Harris. “Our team at Catoctin Creek continues to make the best handcrafted Virginia whisky available today—made by us and never sourced.”

Founded in 2009 by the husband and wife team of Becky and Scott Harris, Catoctin Creek uses local and organic ingredients to produce a variety of premium spirits, including Roundstone Rye, which holds distinction as Virginia’s most-awarded whisky. With Scott running business operations and Becky focused on the art of crafting the finest spirits in the Commonwealth as chief distiller, the couple leads a small team of employees that are proudly making a variety of high-quality products in an historic building in the quaint downtown of Purcellville, Va. For more information about Catoctin Creek Distilling Company visit http://www.catoctincreek.com.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is considered one of the most influential spirits competitions in the world. Started in 2000 with the purpose recognizing top products in the craft spirits industry, the 2017 SFWSC received 2,100 entries, the most in the competition’s history, and spirits were judged by a panel of 43 experts in the industry, including acclaimed critics, mixologists, and restaurateurs. For more information about the SFWSC visit http://www.sfspiritscomp.com.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Twitter: @catoctincreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County Virginia since before prohibition. Family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium spirits: rye whisky and gin from organic sources, and brandy from Virginia wines. For more information please visit http://www.catoctincreek.com.

New York, NY – The Ultimate Spirits Challenge has awarded Blue Nectar Tequila and iichiko Shochu with their highest honor, the Chairman’s Trophy. Dubbed the “world’s trailblazing spirits competition,” the Ultimate Spirits Challenge is led by globally renowned spirits reviewer Paul Pacult and an expert panel of judges from around the world. The judges taste over 4 days in Hawthorne, NY, with upwards of 400 spirits to evaluate. iichiko BLU won for the Shochu category and took home a 90+ score for five of their expressions, while Blue Nectar’s Founder’s Blend won for the best Añejo within the 100% Agave Tequila category. Both of the brands are represented by Colangelo & Partners, a leading integrated communications agency specializing in premium wine and spirits.

“We’re thrilled that Blue Nectar and iichiko have been honored by the team at the USC, the best of the best in the spirits industry,” said Gino Colangelo, president of Colangelo & Partners. “We represent the highest quality spirits and often collaborate with members of the USC’s esteemed panel who guide spirits and cocktail trends, and develop some of the best drink menus in the world.”

Colangelo & Partners, which recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary, continues to be an important player in the spirits world by helping to build awareness for premium, entrepreneurial spirits brands. Since January 2017, the spirits team at Colangelo & Partners has expanded their clientele to include Aviation American Gin, Berentzen Liqueurs and Purus Vodka. Colangelo & Partners also represents Diplomático Rum, Lost Distillery Company Scotch Whisky, Sombra Mezcal, TY KU Sake, Consejo Regulador de la Denominaciones de Origen Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, Lepanto Brandy, Nomad Outland Whisky and London No. 1 Gin. Colangelo & Partners focuses on four strategic pillars of expertise: media relations, social media and influencer relations, trade relations, and events.

About Blue Nectar Tequila
Founded by father and son BN and Nikhil Bahadur, Blue Nectar Tequila (http://www.bluenectartequila.com/) is a small-batch, super-premium Tequila focused on agave-forward flavor profiles indicative of the terroir of “el valle” or the valley of the Tequila producing region. Using estate-grown blue agaves from “el valle,” Blue Nectar skillfully crafts and bottles its Tequilas in Amatitán, Mexico, widely recognized as the birthplace of Tequila. Since its launch in 2011, Blue Nectar has garnered numerous industry accolades in both the United States and Mexico. Current production includes Silver, Reposado Extra Blend, Reposado Special Craft and Añejo Founder’s Blend Tequilas.

About iichiko Shochu
iichiko’s shochu (http://www.iichiko.co.jp/en/) is the #1 barley shochu in Japan. Each iichiko shochu begins with only the highest quality barley and water drawn from natural springs deep beneath the earth. The flavors of iichiko’s shochu are refreshing and boast a crystal clear taste, truly embodying the essence of Japanese refinement. The lush greenery, pure water and cool breezes of Oita Prefecture, famously known for their hot springs, provide the perfect setting to house the distillery where iichiko shochu is produced. It all begins with carefully selecting the finest natural ingredients and water. Advanced distilling technologies are then applied to produce the highest quality shochu. Since 1958, iichiko has prided itself on putting quality first, the way it’s always been done and will always continue to be done.

About Colangelo & Partners
Colangelo & Partners (http://www.colangelopr.com) specializes in premium food, wine, spirits and lifestyle brands, and has long established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on ‘closing the loop’ between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results. Founded in 2006, Colangelo & Partners was honored as one of the year’s top integrated communications firms at the 2013 Agency Elite Awards and for one of the best digital marketing campaigns at the 2014 Digital PR Awards.

Nearly 200 Ciders from across the globe were judged at the second annual Dan Berger International Cider Competition with the “Bittersweet” from Sea Cider Ciderhouse winning the Sweepstakes Award

(Santa Rosa, California) Bittersweet from Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse in British Columbia took the Sweepstakes Award for best cider at the Second Annual Dan Berger International Cider Competition (DBICC). The traditional English style cider is produced from apples grown in the Sea Cider’s own orchards. The Sea Cider Bittersweet beat out nearly 200 other ciders entered into the competition held in Sonoma County, California on May 5th.

The DBICC also awarded Best of Class medals in the following categories:

Common Cider SweetBROOKLYN CIDER HOUSE KINDA SWEET

Traditional Cider DryEVES CIDERY 2015 DARLING CREEK

Spanish Style CiderBEREZIATUA GOURMET EDITION

Herbed/Hopped/Spiced CiderMARCH FIRST BREWING DRY HOPPED CIDER

Fruit CiderFOXCRAFT HARD CIDER BLOOD ORANGE

Pear CiderFOX CRAFT HARD CIDER PEAR

Dessert/Iced/Pommeau2 TOWNS CIDEROUSE 2014 POMMEAU

The Sweepstakes Award Sea Cider Bittersweet is made from a selection of traditional bittersweet cider apples including Dabinett and Yarlington Mills. Off dry and rich in tannin, the Sea Cider Bittersweet impressed the judges with its rich yet balanced style and a complexity that results from use of well-cultivated traditional cider apples. Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse is located in Saanichton, British Columbia.

We were thrilled by the diversity of styles of cider we saw at the competition this second year, said Tom Wark, director of the DBICC. No doubt this had much to do with the fact that we had entries from 20 different states and four different countries, which is a testament to the growing popularity of cider in the American marketplace.

The DBICC strives to raise the visibility of the best ciders sold in the American marketplace. Founded by Dan Berger, the Dean of American wine competitions and directed by Tom Wark, publisher of The Cider Journal, the DBICC accepted entries in 12 categories that were judged by cider and orchard professionals.